Description

1873 $10 PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. Business-strike 1873
Liberty eagles are known in two different types, one with an Open 3
in the date and another with a Close 3. The Close 3 was used first,
and subsequently changed because Chief Coiner A. Louden Snowden
believed it was difficult to distinguish it from an 8. All known
proofs are of the Close 3 variety, as they were struck early in the
year.
The 1873 Liberty eagle is rare in both formats, as only 800
business-strikes and 25 proofs were struck. Writing in 1988, Walter
Breen estimated the surviving proof population at just 10-12
examples, including one in the ANS and another in the Smithsonian.
PCGS estimates a slightly higher number of 12-15 coins still
extant. PCGS and NGC have combined to certify a total of 16
specimens in all grades, probably including a few resubmissions and
crossovers (11/11). Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth caution against
gold-plated aluminum die trial pieces that have been passed off as
proofs in the past.
The present coin is a magnificent Choice example that shows
startling black-on-gold Deep Cameo flash when tilted in the light.
The devices are richly frosted to provide profound contrast with
the brightly reflective fields. The design elements are sharply
detailed in most areas, but a touch of softness is apparent on the
central obverse and the arrow fletching. The vivid greenish-gold
surfaces show the slight "orange-peel" texture often seen on 19th
century proofs. A few minor hairlines and contact marks, none
worthy of individual mention, explain the grade. Population: 1 in
64 Deep Cameo, 0 finer (11/11).(Registry
values: P4) (PCGS# 98813)